$53,000

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Apple Of Sodom

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2007
1,808
0
0
If you have a callous and dismissive attitude to the poor (Escalades and Food Stamps), why should I have any other kind of attitude toward you?

I pay my taxes, yet don't feel the need to create a thread bitching about it. Amazing.

The OP wasn't bitching about it. I said I was proud to contribute, despite not agreeing with how the gvt spends it, and that the demonizing of the top 1% is silly because it includes a LOT of people who are business owners and risk takers that didn't inherit wealth through family or fraud. There seems to be a general attitude on here that if you make more than median wage you are a real opportunistic asshole.
 

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
165
106
Maybe a little above the norm but certainly not a lifestyle of super luxury like is assumed by many. See, when you start making money like that you get slapped with stupid rules. I cannot, for example, contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. I pay $100K in taxes. I don't get a subsidized cell phone like so many people in my state do...etc etc.

It isn't bad...but it isn't fair to lump me in with hedge fund managers and rally and say "Yeah fuck those guys! They have all the wealth! Tax 'em to death!" Not that it is fair to do that to a smart investor. My money is on shutting down all of these tax loopholes that corporations use.

well it seems that you already know that when people are ranting about the rich, they are talking about the hedge fund managers, the ceo's, and the top execs making millions a year. So why are you so butthurt over others' rants? Why even make this thread? Unless you're just sore about paying your share into the society...
 
Oct 25, 2006
11,036
11
91
The OP wasn't bitching about it. I said I was proud to contribute, despite not agreeing with how the gvt spends it, and that the demonizing of the top 1% is silly because it includes a LOT of people who are business owners and risk takers that didn't inherit wealth through family or fraud. There seems to be a general attitude on here that if you make more than median wage you are a real opportunistic asshole.
It seems that you are using your financial position to be an opportunistic asshole right now.
 

JEDI

Lifer
Sep 25, 2001
29,391
2,738
126
Apple Of Sodom ,

ignore the haters.
props to you for for running a successful business!
 

Apple Of Sodom

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2007
1,808
0
0
well it seems that you already know that when people are ranting about the rich, they are talking about the hedge fund managers, the ceo's, and the top execs making millions a year. So why are you so butthurt over others' rants? Why even make this thread? Unless you're just sore about paying your share into the society...

Because it is apparent to me, from the news and posts here, that the 1% are the perceived evil ones. While I know it isn't me, it seems to escape the public. Just a little FYI that the 1% isn't where the problem is any more than it is the top 5% or 10%.
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
0
You know that is not what I said. I said it isn't about level of education, it is about hard work and integrity. That statement has nothing to do with teachers. I just don't want people to think that I believe ANYONE with a degree will make more/is smarter than someone without one.

You're bitchin Mang
 

her209

No Lifer
Oct 11, 2000
56,336
11
0
Yes, posting a message an anonymous forum is EXACTLY the definition of opportunistic asshole.
Actually it is the perfect opportunity because:

1) No one knows if you're telling the truth or not
2) You probably wouldn't say half the things you posted on the Internet in real life
 

Apple Of Sodom

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2007
1,808
0
0
Actually it is the perfect opportunity because:

1) No one knows if you're telling the truth or not
2) You probably wouldn't say half the things you posted on the Internet in real life

Opportunistic != opportunity, you tool.

Opportunistic: Exploiting chances offered by immediate circumstances without reference to moral principle.

Anyhow, you are right. I could be making it all up.
 

dank69

Lifer
Oct 6, 2009
37,306
32,895
136
There is a difference between saying "the top 1% are evil" and saying "higher tax rates don't hurt the top 1% like it hurts the middle/lower class."
 

Apple Of Sodom

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2007
1,808
0
0
There is a difference between saying "the top 1% are evil" and saying "higher tax rates don't hurt the top 1% like it hurts the middle/lower class."

That is true.

However, the bottom 50% or so do not pay any taxes at all. I firmly believe there should be a mandatory minimum tax rate. No one should ever get a refund of more than they paid in, and no one should live here for free. Even if it is $10/year minimum it would be better than it is today.
 

her209

No Lifer
Oct 11, 2000
56,336
11
0
Opportunistic != opportunity, you tool.

Opportunistic: Exploiting chances offered by immediate circumstances without reference to moral principle.

Anyhow, you are right. I could be making it all up.
And you can't be opportunist if the opportunity didn't present itself.
 

dank69

Lifer
Oct 6, 2009
37,306
32,895
136
That is true.

However, the bottom 50% or so do not pay any taxes at all. I firmly believe there should be a mandatory minimum tax rate. No one should ever get a refund of more than they paid in, and no one should live here for free. Even if it is $10/year minimum it would be better than it is today.
So is your issue that people say the top 1% are evil or that the bottom 50% pay nothing? You are jumping around now. $10/year minimum? What would that accomplish and why would that make you feel better?
 

her209

No Lifer
Oct 11, 2000
56,336
11
0
That is true.

However, the bottom 50% or so do not pay any taxes at all. I firmly believe there should be a mandatory minimum tax rate. No one should ever get a refund of more than they paid in, and no one should live here for free. Even if it is $10/year minimum it would be better than it is today.
Sales tax, gasoline tax, FICA tax, etc. etc.
 

sunzt

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2003
3,076
3
81
Think of it this way...

Everyone gets at least the standard deductions. People who make more money are able to get more deductions through IRAs, HSAs, and other retirement accounts. People who own businesses are able to get even more deductions through itemization. There's just a point where deductions will stop. Most people don't reach that point.

So in the end, you are getting way more deductions than someone who's making 30-50k.

Have you donated to charities to reduce taxes?
 

Apple Of Sodom

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2007
1,808
0
0
So is your issue that people say the top 1% are evil or that the bottom 50% pay nothing? You are jumping around now. $10/year minimum? What would that accomplish and why would that make you feel better?

Both are issues. The top 1% are not evil. Also, the bottom 50% pay nothing. I think it would give people a sense of belonging. It is a token amount, but there is no reason why anyone should be getting a $5,000 refund check when they paid NOTHING into the system.
 

classy

Lifer
Oct 12, 1999
15,219
1
81
That is the magic number. That is what I owe the tax man. That is in addition to the $40,000 I already paid. That is after I've completely maxed out my deductions, fully funded my SEP-IRA and have done everything legal to lower my income liability.

I'm at the bottom of the top 1% of earners. I'm the 1% that everyone rallies against as controlling all the wealth. Funny thing is... I make a lot because I work hard, run the risk of owning a business, and sacrificed to get my masters degree. And for the other 99% let me tell you...it isn't THAT great being in the top 1%. I don't get any help. I don't get subsidies. I basically get to work. And while I don't have to worry about money and can afford generally nice things, I don't have the ability to go out and buy a Ferrari to color match a yacht. I don't vacation for 12 weeks in Fiji. I don't sleep on a mattress stuffed with hundred dollar bills.

So, this thread is dedicated to those who have earned their income the hard way - with blood, sweat and tears - and to say fuck you for anyone who says we don't deserve it. I am proud to say I am paying $100,000 into the system this year; I am proud to contribute to society, even though I disagree with the way government spends money; and I'm proud to be in that EVIL 1%.

Just stfu and pay your damn tax bill. If you paid $100,000 in taxes, then the system clearly allowed you to flourish. So stop whining and pay the damn bill. You selfish son of gun....

And another thing no one has ever said you didn't deserve it. But its people like me who support your stinking business, so telling people who have made you well off and want you pay your fair share to fuck themselves is bullshit.
 
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Apple Of Sodom

Golden Member
Oct 7, 2007
1,808
0
0
Think of it this way...

Everyone gets at least the standard deductions. People who make more money are able to get more deductions through IRAs, HSAs, and other retirement accounts. People who own businesses are able to get even more deductions through itemization. There's just a point where deductions will stop. Most people don't reach that point.

So in the end, you are getting way more deductions than someone who's making 30-50k.

Have you donated to charities to reduce taxes?

I like to think of my $100K as charity :)

Yes, I have. And I have donated in the past, and I help people out on an individual basis. I feel that most large charities are corrupt (the CEO of a charity should not be making $800K/year...)
 

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM
Jun 19, 2004
24,122
1,594
126
You can always tell who the evil rich are. :) They speak in percentages as if they're significant as opposed to dollar amounts and the effect on their life style.
 

sunzt

Diamond Member
Nov 27, 2003
3,076
3
81
I like to think of my $100K as charity :)

Yes, I have. And I have donated in the past, and I help people out on an individual basis. I feel that most large charities are corrupt (the CEO of a charity should not be making $800K/year...)

You should consider starting your own scholarship fund for a high school or college. Giving a few g's here and there to whom you deem worthy is pretty fun i think.